• Past President Reports

Special Order of Business

• 2009 UFA Workchart Calendar Distributed Today
  The UFA would like to thank Mike Block and his firm, Sullivan, Papain, Block, McGrath & Cannavo, P.C., for covering the entire cost of the Calendar. Calendars for each company are at your Borough Trustee Table today, packaged 25 per box. Please take ONLY enough calendars for each member and a few extra for firehouse posting. There are a limited number of calendars.
• Free Flu Inoculations Today
  UFA Health & Safety Officer/Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Romaka worked with BHS Dr. Kelly & Dr. Prezant to schedule free flu shots for all members attending today's meeting. They are set up at a table in the lobby outside the auditorium.
• Healthplex Dental Benefits Provider Table Today
  Healthplex administrator professionals are present today to provide info and answer questions about the UFA Family Dental Plan improvements and more. Make sure you pick up for your firehouse the updated SBF Booklets, plan transfer forms and other Dental info at the SBF Table today. They contain a detailed schedule of dental services and options that are now available to your family at lower cost or for no charge.
• Security Benefits Fund (SBF) Help Table Today
  Members who require help regarding dental, prescription drugs, optical or any other benefits provided via the UFA SBF should visit the SBF table today. SBF personnel are there to help you.

Tentative Contract Agreement

1. Delegate Vote on Contract Today
Special Order of Business: Delegates take a roll-call vote today to determine if the members will have the opportunity to vote on the contract. If a majority of Delegates vote to approve this, each member will receive a ballot in the mail in accordance with the UFA Constitution.

2. Contract Ratification Timeline

• 11/26: If approved by the majority of the Delegates at today's meeting, terms of the entire collective bargaining agreement will mail to all member residences, including Executive Board's vote regarding the agreement.
• 12/1: Ballots will mail from American Arbitration Association to all member residences (and email to all overseas military members) if the Delegate roll-call vote is approved today.
• 12/11: Ballots counted at American Arbitration Association with UFA Election Committee (which consists of one member from each borough) and Recording Secretary oversight. A majority of members must vote in favor of the tentative agreement to ratify the contract. The results will be certified and announced that afternoon.

3. Need E-Mail Addresses of Active Military Members
Military members serving active duty any time between 12/1/08 and 12/11/08 (and unable to reside at their NY residence) may vote via the internet in accordance with the UFA Constitution, if Delegates approve the tentative contract today. Delegates with activated military members assigned to their companies are asked to reach out to the family to obtain an email address, if the member is using email while overseas. Provide this info ASAP to UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio at jmiccio@UFANYC.org. The member's information will be verified prior to emailing them an e-ballot.

4. Update Your Address, Email, Phone #s with the UFA
Members and Delegates wishing to receive important information, contract ballots or other notifications from the UFA should insure that their residence addresses, email addresses, home and cell phone numbers on file with the UFA are updated and accurate. In order to do this, you must prepare and sign a 'SBF Change of Address Form' and mail to the UFA, Attn: SBF. Forms can be obtained from your Delegate, who can assist you, or you can call the UFA SBF at 212-683-4723, or visit the Forms Section of the UFA web site at www.UFANYC.org.

5. Proposed Constitution Amendments Today
Special Order of Business: All proposed UFA Constitution amendments will be discussed and voted upon today. The Constitution Committee will present its recommendations. Also the Executive Board's vote and recommendations will be presented. The complete text of the proposed amendments is contained in 65-2 #68 of 2008, which was mailed to all FHs and Delegate residences, and is also attached to this report. Updated copies of the UFA Constitution are at your Trustee table today.

6. Do Not Volunteer to Drive City Buses
The UFA was informed on Friday, December 14 that the Department was asking firefighters to volunteer to drive MTA buses to transport members to and from the funeral of Probationary Firefighter Jamel Sears. The UFA published last Friday a 65-2 strongly urging that our members NOT volunteer to drive the buses. MTA buses are driven by union members (TWU Local 100). We do not want firefighters to even temporarily take the jobs of members of another union.

7. OT $$ for Conversion to Eastern Standard Time
Per DO #95 in accordance with Labor Relations regulations, members that worked the 6x9 tour on Saturday, November 1, 2008, are entitled to one (1) hour of overtime/compensatory time due to the conversion back to Eastern Standard Time (EST). FS-260s are not required. Enter the following TPR codes on the November 2nd column to receive compensation for this time: Event Code: 1465 Agency Data Code: 9564.

8. Uniform Maintenance Non-Taxability Affidavit
It is extremely important that each member file the form with their Officer. Per Dept orders, "failure to properly complete and file an affidavit may result in the issuance of a corrected W-2 form that includes the Uniform Cleaning Allowance as taxable earnings." Affidavits and instructions may also be obtained by accessing the Department's Intranet. Audits will be conducted to ensure that affidavits are being completed and filed. See your Officer if you have any questions regarding this issue.

9. Self Mutual & RSOT Payback
As the calendar year draws closer to an end, it typically becomes more difficult for members to have approved payback of Self-Mutuals or a rescheduling of RSOT tours. Members are advised to submit IN WRITING all requests for repayment of Self-Mutuals and to document IN WRITING any time you are refused to reschedule an RSOT tour owed due to a group change. Keep a copy of all documented refusals. It is also recommended that a company journal entry is made documenting refusals. Member rights regarding Self-Mutuals and RSOT are spelled out on PA/IDs 3-94, 1/90 and 1-90 Addendum 4, respectively. PA/ID 1-90, section 11.2 specifically notes: "Firefighters with a group/vacation change which results in the opportunity for fewer hours of RSOT are authorized to work additional tours as needed by the Department for 96 hours of RSOT in the calendar year." Without proper documentation of refusal you can lose your right to carry over RSOT tours to the following year, and you may be penalized for not repaying Self-Mutuals within 90 days.

10. LODI FICA Refund $$ Checks Mailing Update
The NYC Office of Payroll Administration (OPA) reports that Firefighter LODI FICA refund checks for all tax years 1989 through 2005 were mailed, except for years 1991 and 1992. The UFA will announce mailing dates for years 1991 and 1992 when the information becomes available. For more information, refer to the Office of Payroll Administration website: www.nyc.gov/payroll. Any questions should be referred to the Office of Payroll Administration's email address: Lodi_FICARefund@payroll.nyc.gov.

11. UFA Scholarship Fund Awards
The UFA Scholarship Fund is expected to be mailing the $600 scholarship checks in approximately two weeks to over 1,000 eligible members and dependents who filed by the deadline.

12. UFA Dental Plan Transfer Period
Healthplex, which manages the UFA Dentcare program (no out-of-pocket) & UFA Family Plan (pay & reimbursement), has a table today outside of the auditorium in the hall to distribute literature and answer questions. The Dental Transfer Period for active and retired members ends December 31. Changes become effective on January 1, 2009. Dentcare members may roll over into the improved UFA Family Plan, which also has a schedule of services performed by dentists at significantly reduced cost or no charge. Pick up your transfer forms today, or call the UFA SBF office. The updated UFA SBF Booklet, which explains your dental coverage options, is in your Company's Delegate Manual. Updated booklets of that chapter and other dental information are also available at the SBF and Healthplex tables today.

13. Date Change: City Health/Medical Plan Transfer Period
The City has announced a change in dates previously published. The Health Benefits Transfer Period for both active and retired members began November 3, 2008 and ends November 28, 2008. Health plan changes requested during the Transfer Period will be effective January 4, 2009 for active members and effective January 1, 2009 for retired members. Late changes will not be accepted by the City!!! During the annual Transfer Period members may transfer into any health plan offered for which they may be eligible, add or drop optional rider coverage or add or drop dependent(s). To make changes, (including enrolling in the Buy-Out-Waiver Program), the member must complete a Health Benefits Application. (To elect the Buy-Out Waiver Program or change health premium contribution tax status, members must fill out both a Medical Spending Conversion Enrollment/Change Form and a Health Benefits Application. Conversion Forms must have been completed and returned to your agency personnel office or health benefits rep by the November 14, 2008 deadline.)

Forms are available at www.nyc.gov/olr or through the Health Desk at Fire Headquarters. Members who waive their City health benefits, will lose their PICA drug coverage. If you have any questions or problems concerning payroll deductions for health benefits contact the FDNY Health Benefits Unit, Camille Isaacs at 718-999-2196. Updated price flyers, booklets and transfer forms were distributed at the October 23 Union Meeting. Representatives from individual Health Plan providers were also at the meeting to distribute literature/forms and answer questions.

14. Change of Beneficiary/Address Checklists
Change of Beneficiary and Change of Address Checklists are available inside the following three updated Delegate Manual Booklets: 'Security Benefits Fund', 'NYC Health Plans', and also 'Insurances & Free Benefits.' These booklets include contact information for making changes.

15. 2009 UFA Parking Placards
Your 2008 Parking Placards expire on February 1, 2009. The new 2009 Parking Placards will be distributed at the January Union Meeting by each borough Trustee, to Company Delegates only.

16. 2009 UFA Workchart Calendar-Packed with Good Info!
The UFA would like to thank Mike Block and his firm, Sullivan, Papain, Block, McGrath & Cannavo, P.C., for covering the entire cost of printing the 2009 UFA Workchart Calendar. Calendars for each company are at your Borough Trustee Table today, packaged 25 per box. Please take ONLY enough calendars for each member and a few extra for the firehouse. It is designed to give members better access to UFA info and other services. The inside front cover includes phone numbers of all companies, battalions & divisions-noting which share quarters. The flow chart on the rear cover, 'Getting Your Problems Solved with UFA Help', makes it easy to get help. Important phone numbers, faxes or email addresses are also included on the back cover for health care providers, the UFA SBF, Medical Office, Insurances, legal, FDNY HQ, the UFA and much more. The Medical Office section includes phone numbers and the proper address to give to medical care providers if injured on duty to insure YOU do not receive the bills. It includes lots of good information. Keep a copy handy!

17. Random Drug Testing Report
The FDNY reports that the following units were tested randomly between 7/01/08 and 9/30/08. A total of 84 Units were tested within this period: 42 Engines, 21 Ladders, 9 Battalions, 4 Divisions, 1 SOC Company, the SOC Division, 1 Marine Company, the Marine Division, 3 Squad Companies, and 9 Fire Marshals. Reports listing each company tested and individual dates are attached. They are sorted by both company and chronologically.

Stephen J. Cassidy,
President